Tondela v Benfica: survival fight meets top-three charge | OneFootball

Tondela host Benfica in Liga Portugal at Estádio João Cardoso on Sunday, 1 February 2026, with the hosts battling relegation and the visitors unbeaten in the league and chasing a firm grip on the top three.

Tondela sit 17th with 12 points and the division's second worst goal difference. Benfica are third on 45 points and the only side in the league yet to lose, underscoring the scale of the task for the home team.

Recent form is stark. Tondela have lost three straight league games, including defeats at Famalicão and Moreirense and at home to Braga, though they did beat Arouca earlier in January. The Águias have won their last three league outings, scoring nine times against Estoril, Rio Ave and Estrela Amadora.

The Encarnados travel without Dodi Lukebakio and Alexander Bah through injury. Up front, Evangelos Pavlidis leads the Liga Portugal scoring with 19 goals, giving José Mourinho's side a focal point that has flourished all season.

This match-up could hinge on control versus resilience. The Águias average 2.2 league goals per game, have seven headed goals and deliver with 21.40% cross accuracy from open play, while conceding just 0.6 per game. Tondela, who have scored 12 and conceded 33, may need a compact shape and efficiency in transition to trouble a defence with 10 clean sheets.

A positive result would help Tondela claw towards safety in the relegation fight. Victory for the Encarnados would consolidate their top three position and sustain pressure on the leading pair.